The Following is a statement by Rusty Selix, Executive Director, Mental
Health America of California

Besides the use of assault style weapons the other commonality of all of
the recent mass shooters is that they all appeared to have mental
illness and most were suicidal. That means that they were suffering from
depression or a related serious mental illness and in most cases those
mental illnesses were not being treated in a timely or effective manner
as few people know they have mental illnesses and many who do know still
don't seek treatment. One of the simplest, most effective and cost
saving ways we can address this problem is to ensure that at every point
of entry to our health care system people are regularly evaluated for
possible mental health problems with initial diagnosis and treatment
available at the same time and place as the initial visit to a primary
care office.

A simple survey of fewer than 10 questions which can be scored by
computer will accurately identify those who are likely to have a mental
health problem. Having a mental health professional on site at primary
care offices to evaluate those individuals whose score indicates a need
and provide initial consultation or guidance gets that care started in a
timely and effective way that reaches a far greater number of people
than any other approach.

Studies now demonstrate that this not only saves lives and improves
mental health but it also saves money and improves physical health as
those with untreated mental illnesses are at much greater risk of
developing major chronic physical disorders such as hypertension,
diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

There is an emerging movement for health plans to integrate this early
identification and treatment for mental health into their primary care
practices and in some states such as Minnesota it has now become a
universal practice.

In California it is happening in only a few places. Perhaps this latest
tragedy will be the wakeup call needed for policy makers health plans
and providers to take the steps necessary to make this a consistent and
universal practice throughout the state.